Latest news with #Davina
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ben Shephard has sculpted himself into a Grecian statue – but there's something really sexy about a dad bod
There's something deeply sexy about a man who's not counting almonds or swerving dessert like it's a moral failing ZARA JANJUA Ben Shephard has sculpted himself into a Grecian statue – but there's something really sexy about a dad bod THIS week, two magazine covers hit the shelves like a kettlebell landing on your foot. On Men's Health, a newly chiselled 50-year-old Ben Shephard, recreating his topless shoot from 13 years ago. Advertisement 5 Ben Shephard sculpted himself into a Grecian statue to celebrate his half-century Credit: David Venni / Men's Health UK', 5 Davina looks like she just punched mortality in the face Credit: Mark Cant / Women's Health UK Over on Women's Health, Davina McCall, 56, swinging from gym rings with all the energy of a human protein shake — just months after brain surgery. Two aspirational bodies. Two inspirational mindsets. Both clearly proud of what their bodies can still do. And fair enough — they look phenomenal. Davina looks like she just punched mortality in the face and bounced straight into a plank. Advertisement She's lycra'd to the nines, flinging herself at a Pilates ball like it owes her money. It's not about showing off — it's a message: 'I'm still here, and I'm stronger than ever.' There's an empire behind that body, and it's built on resilience, dumbbells, and endorphins. Then there's daytime telly's answer to a protein shake, Ben Shephard, who sculpted himself into a Grecian statue to celebrate his half-century. He says he did it for himself — to prove he still could. And that's great. Genuinely. But also . . . Ben? Mate? It's your birthday, not the Olympics. Have a flapjack and sit down. Because here's the twist: turns out women might not actually be that a*sed. Advertisement A few weeks ago, singer Olly Murs revealed his 12-week transformation from relatable dad bod to gym-honed Adonis. And while the lads cheered him on, the women were thirstier for the 'before' pics. Yes, really. Beaming Davina McCall reveals she's got all clear from brain tumour after life-saving surgery The soft, smiley, snuggly version. Not the Marvel audition tape. So, what do women want? Do we dream of abs you could grate cheese on, or quietly yearn for a body that looks like it's seen a roast dinner? Let's be honest: abs are impressive. They say: 'I have discipline, control, and a complicated relationship with carbs.' But dad bods say: 'I'll split a sausage roll with you and probably bring you a cuppa after.' Advertisement The dad bod isn't about being unfit — it's about being unbothered. It is someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously. And there's something deeply sexy about a man who's not counting almonds or swerving dessert like it's a moral failing. He's not trying to impress, which is exactly why he does. That body says: 'I'm here, I'm comfy, and I can carry all the shopping in one go.' Dreamy. It's not about what the body looks like — it's about what it means. Confidence. Security. Cuddles. That'll do nicely. So lads, if you're carrying a bit of belly — congratulations. You might just be someone's fantasy. You're built for Sunday mornings, big spoons and emergency hobnob runs. And honestly? That's a vibe. Advertisement It also makes you wonder, what do men want? Despite what a thousand lads' mags tried to drill into us, most blokes don't want to date a Peloton. Curves are in. In a 'you look like a real human' kind of way. We all want different things — and those things can shift with the weather. Sometimes we want someone ripped but most of the time, we're just after someone warm, kind and capable of making toast without a fuss. So, what do women really want? A six-pack? A squish pack? Something in between? Depends on the woman. Depends on the week. Depends on whether you washed the dishes and took the bins out because that's really what we want your body to do. Without being asked. Diddy peers turn backs 5 Diddy is the alleged ringleader in a real-life horror show Credit: AFP Advertisement SEAN 'P Diddy' Combs used to be the pied piper of platinum parties – now he's the alleged ringleader in a real-life horror show that makes Succession look like Bluey. As details spill – claims of sex- trafficking, racketeering and 'freak-offs' – the silence from his A-list acolytes is deafening. Michael B. Jordan, Mike Myers, Ye, Usher, Britney . . . suddenly it's 'new phone, who dis?' Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura's injuries appear to paint a picture of coercive control that's anything but consensual. Hollywood's collective amnesia? About as convincing as the SNP's Covid WhatsApps – deleted, delayed, denied. Advertisement Sussex series going strong 5 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle loved up on Instagram SEVEN years ago, Prince Harry looked at Meghan Markle like she had just invented kindness. Now, they look at each other like two people who have survived a national psychodrama, Oprah, and a podcast contract. As the Sussexes mark their seventh wedding anniversary, it's less fairy tale, more prestige limited series – with public opinion swinging harder than a Montecito mood board. Let's recap. Season One: Royal Wedding – the glossy pilot that launched a thousand hot takes. Advertisement Season Two: Megxit – a departure arc worthy of Succession. Season Three gave us The Oprah Interview – or as the Palace might call it, The Crown: Live. Season Four? Californian Rebranding. Season Five: Spotify and Archetypes (cancelled, like most of our goodwill). Season Six: Litigation-palooza. Advertisement Now we're in Season Seven: Mutual Love Bombs on Instagram. Meghan, in a post for Archewell, gushed about 'her love story'. Harry gazed adoringly at her in a wedding throwback, confirming either enduring love or a very competent PR team. Say what you like, but they've turned royal exile into a brand proposition with better global recognition than half the actual royals. And credit where it's due: most celebrity marriages don't last seven years, let alone seven years of exile. So, good luck to the Sussexes – still together, still trending, and still managing to make their private life astonishingly public. Advertisement Brekkie telly's shrinking morsels 5 Lorraine's daytime show has been slashed to 30 minutes Credit: Getty ITV has taken an axe to the morning schedule and Lorraine Kelly has found herself on the wrong end of the chop. Her daytime show has been slashed to 30 minutes and will now be on air for just 30 weeks a year. Likewise, the Loose Women gang, right, will have less airtime in future. It's hard not to take these shake-ups personally in the world of TV. Advertisement Bosses call it 'streamlining', or break the news that they've chosen to 'go in a different direction'. But it's all just estate-agent speak to soften the blow when you fall out of favour with the channel head or audiences. This is not so much a breakfast show as a brekkie nibble – just time to compliment a guest's dress and awkwardly read a sponsored link. GMB has been extended by half an hour to run until 9.30am and it's only a matter of time before This Morning is reduced to a WhatsApp voice note.
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Davina McCall says ordeal felt like 'Alzheimer's' after surgery
The 57-year-old TV personality and Big Brother legend discussed the memory loss she experienced following brain surgery Davina McCall has shared a frightening experience she had following her brain surgery. The TV star discovered she had a rare 14-mm colloid cyst, which affects only three in every million people, during a chance health check in 2023. Thankfully, the tumour was benign, and in 2024, Davina had neurosurgeon Kevin O'Neill successfully remove it. But in a new episode of her podcast, Begin Again, she revealed just how much it affected her memory and perception of everything around her. In a conversation with Heart Radio DJ, Jamie Theakston, she said: "Can I tell you a weird thing? I understand a bit about [symptoms of dementia] because I woke up with no short-term memory, and it's come back very, very slowly over three months. And I struggled with all of those feelings when I was just out of hospital." Jamie said: "Like an Alzheimer's," to which Davina replied: "Yeah, it was. I got paranoid. I got like, insecure. I didn't trust people that I love and trust. It was horrible, but I could feel it coming back. Rather than losing it. "It gave me a new, well, obviously, you know, my dad died of Alzheimer's. It gave me a new appreciation for what he'd been through and for what your dad is going through now, and what it really feels like it, it's extraordinary." Alzheimer's disease is a neurological condition that progressively impairs memory, cognitive abilities, and ultimately, the capacity to perform basic tasks. It is the most common form of dementia, which currently impacts more than 944,000 people in the UK. Davina's father passed away from dementia in 2022, just six years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Davina, 57, previously said that he had consistently been her rock and she'd always slightly 'hero-worshipped' him. Speaking with the Alzheimer's Society in 2017 before he passed away, she said: "I've always slightly hero-worshipped him. So when he started saying funny things like, 'I took the overland train' and 'Call me when your work is less explosive', it didn't take us long to all come together and ask each other if we should be concerned. "The psychologist that first assessed him said that he could have been affected for a while – but he is so clever that he had come up with strategies. That's my dad – see a problem, come up with a strategy." She added: "I have grieved the loss of my old dad." Besides the temporary loss of her memory, Davina also lost a worrying four kilograms of muscle in the aftermath of her brain surgery. While it's been a long road to recovery, she now feels much stronger in her body and mind. "I felt like my memory was coming back and I was feeling stronger in myself, in my mind," she recently told Women's Health. "But working on my body was going to be the last bit of joy to come back to my life." Early red flags of dementia Dementia can come in different forms, and each type can impact people in varying ways. However, a few common red flags usually appear during its onset. According to the NHS, these are: Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping Memory loss Difficulty concentrating Being confused about time and place Mood changes Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word Anyone concerned about their symptoms should seek guidance from a medical professional.
Edinburgh Live
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Davina McCall showed her 'true feelings' to Michael Douglas during health battle
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Famous for her role on Big Brother, Davina McCall has recently spoken about the emotional challenges she faced dealing with her health scares alongside partner Michael Douglas. Davina, a beloved face in British television known for her long-standing role on Big Brother during the 2000s, recently opened up about her personal struggles amidst her ongoing health journey. Having graced our television screens for numerous years and ventured into radio broadcasting, Davina's career saw an impressive growth as she landed several prominent roles in the media world, including teaming up with Nicky Campbell on ITV's heart-warming series, Long Lost Family. But away from the limelight of reuniting families, Davina shared candid details of her own life with Women's Health UK, including how her long-term partner Michael Douglas provided invaluable support following her benign brain tumour diagnosis last year. (Image: Mark Cant / Women's Health UK) In her recent conversation with Women's Health, Davina divulged that honesty is a cornerstone of her relationship with Michael, and this was put to the test when she opened up about her "true feelings" ahead of her surgical procedure to remove the tumour. Reflecting on the "frightening" moments, the 57-year-old shared: "Three weeks before the operation, I showed Michael my true feelings. I said I felt really scared. I had a massive cry... he said that when we first got together, he was like, 'You're quite hard to look after, how do I do that?'" However, following their heartfelt conversation, she revealed how Michael pledged to stand by her during this challenging journey, as she remembered him saying: "You know, I've been in training for this moment. And I'm ready, you know, I've got your back." (Image: undefined via Getty Images) In November, the presenter stunned her followers when she announced on Instagram that she was battling a benign brain tumour, also known as a colloid cyst. In one of her initial updates post-surgery, she informed her fans: "My short-term memory is a bit remiss but that's something I can work on. I'm writing down everything I'm doing to keep myself feeling safe." More recently, Davina made an unexpected comeback to our screens as she appeared on Britain's Got Talent. (Image: undefined via Getty Images) Magic act, TK Magic, presented judge Amanda Holden with a list of people he thought she would have in her phone book and asked her to select a number between one and six. With Amanda choosing six and Davina's name next to the number, Amanda then rang Davina, with the former Big Brother host surprising the audience as she answered the FaceTime call. The full Davina McCall interview can be read in the June issue of Women's Health UK, on sale now
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Davina McCall says this was 'last thing' to return after surgery
Davina McCall has shared her experience of readjusting to everyday life after brain surgery. The TV personality discovered she had a rare 14-mm colloid cyst, which affects only three in every million people, during a chance health check in 2023. Thankfully, the tumour was benign, and in 2024, Davina had it successfully removed by neurosurgeon Kevin O'Neill. Now, she has detailed her lengthy recovery process and how long it's taken to return to the activities she loves most. In a new interview, Davina revealed she'd lost a worrying four kilograms of muscle in the aftermath of her surgery, but the ordeal has only confirmed her passion for fitness. "I felt like my memory was coming back and I was feeling stronger in myself, in my mind," she told Women's Health. "But working on my body was going to be the last bit of joy to come back to my life." Davina has been undergoing a strength training programme designed by Natalie Bhangal at Own Your Goals. Her plan encompasses no more than four workouts per week, all 30 minutes long at most, in addition to one moderate-intensity cardio session, and two low-intensity walks. While this may appear simple, experts suggest that draining workouts aren't always ideal for women over 30. Davina added: "I felt like it was the missing piece of me." Earlier this year, Davina and her consultant neurosurgeon also revealed just how serious the cyst removal operation was. If the surgery had been unsuccessful, Davina could have suffered a stroke or lost her ability to 'hold a short-term memory beyond five minutes', according to The Times. However, if the cyst had remained undetected, or if Davina had chosen not to have it removed, she could have died 'suddenly' without any warning or chance to say goodbye to her family and friends. O'Neill was the second of three doctors Davina consulted about the cyst. The initial specialist recommended endoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique that involves inserting instruments through 'small holes' in the skull. But O'Neill thought it would be 'better to open her head right up' to minimise harm to healthy brain tissue. During an intensive five-hour surgery, he cut open her skull 'from ear to ear', successfully extracting a 14mm colloid cyst located in the 'third ventricle', a deep-seated area of the brain. Talking to the publication, O'Neill said: "The operation was like a layer cake: scalp, then the skull, then the journey down into the centre of the brain. "...Like defusing a bomb, you cut one wire, then down into the next bit, cut that wire, then you get to the last wire, the 14mm cyst, and you're thinking, 'S***!'"
Edinburgh Live
20-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Davina McCall says there was a 'missing piece of me' during her brain surgery recovery
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Davina McCall has opened up about getting back to her normal life following brain surgery. The popular TV presenter discovered she had a rare 14-mm colloid cyst, which only affects three people out of every million, during an incidental health check in 2023. Fortunately, the growth was benign and in 2024 Davina underwent successful removal by neurosurgeon Kevin O'Neill. Now sharing her story, she discussed the extended path to recovery and the time it took to resume her favourite activities. In her latest chat, Davina disclosed the startling loss of four kilograms of muscle post-surgery but affirmed that it only reinforced her commitment to fitness. "I felt like my memory was coming back and I was feeling stronger in myself, in my mind," she told Women's Health. "But working on my body was going to be the last bit of joy to come back to my life." Davina is currently engaged in a strength training regimen curated by Natalie Bhangal from Own Your Goals. (Image: undefined via Getty Images) The fitness strategy involves no more than four weekly workouts, each no longer than 30 minutes, along with a session of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise and two gentle walks. Despite seeming minimal, it is noted that intense workout regimes may not always benefit women over 30. Davina added: "I felt like it was the missing piece of me." Earlier this year, together with her consultant neurosurgeon, she also underlined the grave nature of the operation to remove the cyst. If the operation had been unsuccessful, Davina could have suffered a stroke or lost her ability to 'hold a short-term memory beyond five minutes', according to The Times. Yet, the potential consequences of being left undiagnosed were also dire. Davina could have passed away 'suddenly', leaving no opportunity for farewells to loved ones. (Image: undefined via Getty Images) Consulting multiple doctors, Davina received different medical opinions on how to handle the cyst. The first specialist suggested endoscopic surgery, which would involve making 'small holes' in the skull. However, Dr O'Neill, the second doctor she saw, recommended a more direct approach, believing it was 'better to open her head right up' to avoid damaging healthy brain tissue. In a demanding five-hour operation, he performed a craniotomy 'from ear to ear', successfully removing a 14mm colloid cyst from the 'third ventricle', a deeply located part of the brain. Talking to the publication, O'Neill said: "The operation was like a layer cake: scalp, then the skull, then the journey down into the centre of the brain. "...Like defusing a bomb, you cut one wire, then down into the next bit, cut that wire, then you get to the last wire, the 14mm cyst, and you're thinking, 'S***!'"
